Letter to Municipal Commissioner regarding need of a policy for Crèches in Thane

 ALERT CITIZENS FORUM OF INDIA 

A7/303, Saket CHSL, Saket Marg, Thane (W) 400601 # 8879528575

November 30, 2016

The Hon. Municipal Commissioner,
Thane Municipal Corporation,
Thane

Dear Sir,

The ghastly incident in Navi Mumbai, where a 10 month old infant almost lost its life due to abusive treatment at a local crèche has highlighted the need to have a regulatory framework and policy for running crèches.

In today's nuclear world, where both husband and wife go out for work, a crèche or day care centre has become a necessity for people.

Day care centers (Crèches) should allow parents to leave their children in a secure and educational environment while at work. Before a day care center or creche can be opened, it must be licensed and inspected to ensure a safe environment for the children who attend. 
However, in our country, children left at day care centres are at risk because the government does not have any regulation over the sector. 

Anybody can start a day care in India. There are no restrictions or licences required by the government, informs CS Sandhya Malhotra Civic activist of Alert Citizens Forum of India.

She adds, What’s worse, even teachers and attendants do not have to be qualified for the work. In countries like the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates, day care staffers need to be qualified in baby-sitting courses. 

In light of the given situation, ALERT CITIZENS FORUM OF INDIA would like to highlight to you that the following things which are essential in running a crèche:

Licensing
A day care center must be licensed before opening. A day care center license is generally applied for by the owner and issued exclusively for a single location.

Safety
The location chosen for a day care center must be safe. Before a license is issued, a potential day care center location must be inspected by the relevant authorities to make sure that it meets state requirements of local fire and safety regulations.

Location

Generally, day care center operators run a day care center out of their home or in a commercial location. It is advisable to have the crèche / day care center at places easily accessible.

Staffing Requirements
All employees of day care centers be made compulsory to have background checks of their staff to ensure that hiring them will not put the children at the center in danger. Child-to-adult ratios must be maintained based on the age of the children being cared for. 

Training And Certification
Compulsory training and certification must be there to open a day care center.
The center should have first aid certification or an arranged contact at the local health department so that first aid can be easily administered if needed.

We now detail herewith that the following things be considered essential as part of the policy for crèches / day care centers:

1) CCTV cameras must be installed in all crèches.
2) Child-to-staff ratio of 3:1 in a center caring for infants, 4:1 for 2-year-olds, and 7:1 for 3-year-olds.
3) Children should be supervised at all times.
4) Dedicated, friendly caregivers who are trained in child development, early-childhood education, or a related field.
5) Center that's licensed and should be regularly inspected for health and cleanliness
6) Written policy on caring for ill children 
7) Limited or no TV viewing.
8) Safe sleep and play environment
9) Clean toys in good condition with no sharp edges
10) Diapering area separate from children's play areas
11) Perishable food must be refrigerated.
12) Cleaning supplies and other toxic materials in locked cabinet.
13) Easily accessible first-aid kit and posted emergency numbers
14) Electrical outlets covered with protective caps
15) Security gates at top and bottom of stairs
16) Window guards on all windows except designated fire exits
17) Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
18) All outside play areas enclosed; soft surfaces under all equipment.
19) An emergency evacuation plan and exit.
20) Police verification and clearance of staff employed.
We understand that the list is pretty exhaustive, but for safety of children the above points be made essential and compulsory.
We trust that you will look into the matter and do the needful.
Regards,

For Alert Citizens Forum of India,

Dayanand Nene
President
Alert team for Women empowerment and Child care: CS Sandhya Malhotra, Aditi Nene, Pradnya Joshi, Shivkumari Gaikwad.

CC : The Hon. Minister,
Ministry of Women and Child Development,
Govt. of India,
New Delhi

CC : The Hon. Minister,
Ministry of Women and Child Development,
Govt. of Maharashtra,
Mumbai.